Prince Demetrius Gallitzin first visited this area in 1795. He held Catholic education in high esteem. In conjunction with his goal to establish a strong Catholic community, he felt it was important to provide a solid Catholic education to the children, free from outside influences.
Saint Michael thee Archangel parish built its School in 1890 and used as a parish hall until 1921 , when under the direction of the Very Reverend Father Hackett, it was converted into a school. The school contained four classrooms -two grades in each room. The school was staffed by Mercy sisters with Sister Mary de Lourdes serving as principal. The school continued to serve the community of Loretto, providing students with an opportunity to receive a Catholic education.
During the late 1950's the administrators were informed that, due to structural difficulties, something had to be done in order for the school to remain. The decision was made to construct a new school building in the exact area of the old building. On April 11th, 1959 the school building was razed to make way for the new school. In order to maintain classes, the faculty, staff and students held classes in both the church basement and the convent. Then, on May 1, 1959, a ground breaking ceremony was held with the Reverend Father Paul A. Lenz, administrator, turning the first shovel of earth. The building was erected by the men of Saint Michael's Parish under the direction of Ferd Knopp and Leo Soisson. Monies to fund the building were raised through a parish level campaign. As the new school year drew near, the crew worked diligently and the students were able to begin classes in the new building on November 23, 1959.
A ceremony was held on December 10, 1959 to bless the opening of the new school. The Most Reverend Howard J. Carroll, Bishop of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, was celebrant for the solemn pontifical benediction and blessing with over 600 people in attendance. The design of the building was one of eight classrooms, a library and lounges occupying the main floor, and to occupy the basement a meeting room, a fully-equipped kitchen and a dining hall. The capacity could reach up to 500 students.
Since this time, many changes have taken place at Saint Michael School, including the addition of a Kindergarten. The new school is now in its forty-six year. The present enrollment is 160 students.
The building now contains one classroom for each of the following classes: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 5, Grade 6 and Grades 7 & 8. It also contains a reading room, computer laboratory, art & music room, nurse's room/DRE office, as well as a small library, school office, custodian's room and a supply room. The basement has a full-service kitchen and dining hall and is used for multi-purposes. There is also a stage for school performances.
The dedicated faculty of Saint Michael School is composed of a principal, nine full-time teachers and one part-time teacher, all of whom are certified in the state of Pennsylvania. Many teachers hold either a master's degree or Level II instructional certification and regularly attend programs of higher education. The faculty also participates in the Diocesan Master Catechist Program.
The staff includes a full-time secretary, a custodian and a person responsible for maintenance. Parents are active as volunteers within the cafeteria and other areas of need.
From 1890 to the present the mission of this parish School is to foster and maintain the fourfold purpose of Christian education: message, community, service and worship within the community of St. Michael Parish.
